State Council reshuffle proposed

The reform will cover different levels of institutions in the Party, government, people's congress, political advisory body, judiciary, social organizations, public institutions and within military-civil integration, said Liu, who is also director of the General Office of the Central Leading Group for Financial and Economic Affairs.

"Unlike past institutional reform, which mainly was related to government institutions and administrative systems, this institutional reform will be comprehensive," he said in the article.

Fu Yuhang, an NPC deputy from Sichuan province, said it follows the historical trend for China to deepen reform because some outdated agencies should be eliminated while many others should be merged.

"For example, the people are paying more and more attention to intellectual property, so it's a good idea to adjust this department," she said.

A new State intellectual property bureau will be established with the integration of some departments from three institutes, according to the reform plan.

Li Jing, an NPC deputy from Hubei province, said the reform plan should result in outstanding improvements in the efficiency of the government work and make things more convenient for the people.

"I think China's State institutional reform is very positive. This is a sign of greater prosperity and stability for China's economy. It certainly will contribute to the whole world's economy," said Dr. Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, head of mission-UAE ambassador to China.

"Government reform is a momentous move for China's internal development and global affairs," said Nasir Mahmood, director general of the Department of External Relations and Legal Affairs at the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organization. "It improves the effectiveness of the governing bodies and allows China to adapt to changing times."

Piriya Khempon, Thailand's ambassador to China, said his nation pays a lot of attention to China's institutional reforms because developments in the two countries can present opportunities to build new links.

Thai authorities, he said, will take a close look at changes such as the China National Tourism Administration being merged into the newly established Ministry of Culture and Tourism under the reform plan.

Contact the writer at anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn

Zhang Zhihao and Cao Yin contributed to this story.